Serenity

Visiting Mr and Mrs Bell...... Port Arthur

2012-02-16T21:43:00.000+11:00

IN the school holidays we had a lovely couple of days visiting Collette and Hayden in Hobart. We had only seen them once since the wedding (or see the bride's post here) when they came up for NYE and showed us their Fiji honeymoon photos.

Since Simon was on holidays we thought it a perfect opportunity to camp out at their new place. We did offer to stay in a hotel because I know what everyone is thinking - as if the newlyweds want a family of 7 raining on their parade. But it was only 2 nights and the Bells wanted us to stay (we think) ;). I just hope we haven't put them off having kids. ;)

On Thursday we met Hayden after work and walked into town. They live right near the hospital so it takes Hayden only a few minutes to walk to work at the RHH and so of course the city is only a few minutes walk away too.

On Friday while Hayden was at work, we went to Port Arthur. The kids had never been before and Simon and I had not been since the year 2000.

We had a great day. I love world history, any and all of it from ancient history to war history to life in the 1300s (with the great plague), but I particularly love learning about our convict history here in Australia. My Dad said to me on Australia Day, "I have never thanked a thief in my life but when I die I think I will thank my great great grandparents because if they didn't steal something and get sent to Australia as convicts, we would be Poms." (no offence intended to our mother country counterparts).

So here is Port Arthur and our convict heritage. Port Arthur was set up as a penal settlement between 1833 and 1870 and housed only males. It was the hardest place in all of Australia to be sent to as a convict and life was harder beyond anything we could imagine or want to endure.

Ollie was such a good boy carrying my handbag around all day so I could carry the nappy bag. :) One day he will hate this photo.

Some of the ruins of the penal colony.

The house in the foreground was where some of the high ranking soldiers lived or the pastor, I think.

The church - they were big on religion, hoping I think the men would be rehabilitated if they attended many church services.

Employees of Port Arthur take groups of tourists around for free to explain about the different sites.

Pictures of former convicts.

A solitary confinement cell.

Looking into the exercise yard. Those in the 'separate prison' or solitary confinement where allowed out of their cells for 1 hour each day into these exercise yards. They were not allowed to look at anyone or talk to anyone and even the guards signed to each other so the convicts would not hear any talking whatsoever. A horrible form of punishment indeed. This is what you got if you played up at Port Arthur.

Looking into solitary confinement cells.

This is how Port Arthur looks like on alot of postcards. So beautiful.

We scheduled a tour of the isle of the dead which of course was on a little island. We had to catch a boat. We were worried it was this...

But were relieved to discover it was actually this...

This is the Isle of the Dead, where everyone that died at Port Arthur is buried. The youngest member was only 6 hours old. As well as convicts, free settlers also lived at Port Arthur and wives and families of soldiers so it was inevitable that some of those buried were very young.

This is our guide on the island who was very adamant that we not touch the 'grave furniture'. Six year olds do not understand that 'grave furniture' refers to the headstones.

The more upstanding members of the Port Arthur community got to be buried at the better end of the island, while the convicts were buried at the other end. Even in death, they thought people should be ranked.

Back on the Port Arthur site and we couldn't get enough photos.

Inside the church, pretending to call the convicts to repentance. How dare they steal that one reel of cotton or two sheep and get sent all the way from England to Australia for doing so.

The solitary confinement convicts had to stand in these cubicles, with wood on either side of them so they could not look at anyone else but just straight ahead at the pastor at the pulpit.

This photo was taken just before I dropped Collette's camera lens cap down between the boardwalk. We couldn't retrieve it. It was frustrating to see it right there but not be able to get to it. Not as frustrated though as 3 convicts who rowed from Port Arthur to Sydney only to be caught as they rowed into Sydney Harbour and were sent right back to Port Arthur.

Toward the end of our visit, we stopped by the Port Arthur reflection pool to remember the 35 people killed on April 28, 1996, by a lone gunman, in what has become known as the Port Arthur massacre. I can still remember clearly the next day after it happened. I was in my final year of law school in Hobart and we had four days to prepare a moot and go before the Supreme Court and all my 3 friends and I could do was sit there in the law library just completely stunned. The whole city was, it was surreal and horrible. It still is and noone can visit Port Arthur without being moved to tears about what happened on that fateful day. I thought I took photos but maybe, it didn't feel right to do so, standing in the spot where so much was given and taken that day.

The next day we all went to Salamanca where I found more of these.... I have one for everyone now except for Jonty. They have more meaning now than ever before because of sweet Noah.

At the end of the two days, we certainly had worn these two out, on our lovely trip to visit Mr and Mrs Bell. I hope they will let us come again. :)

A lovely birthday

2012-02-14T23:30:00.000+11:00

Today I turned 38. Today I had a lovely birthday.

I got to go to the gym and do my favourite class - Pump. It was lovely until Lisa told Caroline our friend and pump instructor that it was my birthday and she made me come up on stage and do the bicep track. I was so careful not to mention it but Lisa made sure I wouldn't get away with it. What are friends for right? :)

We then went to the Punchbowl for a quiet little picnic. It was beautiful sitting at Punchbowl in the shade under the trees with Kellie and Lisa, watching the kids have a play. Our other gym bud, Lisa couldn't make it but we already have decided that the next date is going to be the raspberry farm because Kellie has never been.

Lisa had brought this amazing cake and even the kids were in awe of it. :) I loved Kell's comment about not making it to the gym today but turning up for cake. Priorities are spot on Kell. :) Kellie also brought some sausage rolls and little pies which were very yummy and tasty. The reason why Kell didn't make it to the gym was because she didn't get to sleep until about 4 or 5 am. I would have understood if she pulled the pin but she didn't. Thanks Kell and I hope you got some sleep later on.....sometime. :)

We had a lovely couple of hours just enjoying talking (and eating). It was a hard day for Lisa, seeing Valentine's Day, 17 years ago, Aaron had proposed to her at Hollybank. When we were chatting, someone said something and she laughed and I said, "there right there is my best birthday present, seeing you laugh". It was an unimaginably hard day but she chose to remember this day with Aaron by coming to a picnic, arms ladden with cake to make sure I had a lovely day. (she never ceases to amaze me).

I stayed for a little bit longer after Kell and Lisa left just to sit while Flynn slept and enjoy just being still and quiet while the kids played. That was short-lived however when Jonty came running down the path completely starkers after going to the toilet to "me do a poo" and stripping off to do so. I couldn't help laughing.

On the way home I stopped in to visit my big sis Lisa and pick up my pressie from little sis Collette. I missed seeing littlest sis Jess, but living in Melbourne makes it a bit hard. :(

Speaking of pressies...........

I got some beautiful pressies too.

(from Sarra)

(jewellery box from Collette and Hayden)

(a gorgeous purse from Lisa King)

(Simon and the kids)

I also got some flowers from Simon's Mum and money from my Mum. A lovely lady from church, Maureen Handley, made me a lovely sponge cake too. SO many lovely things.

Simon cooked me roast turkey for tea which we had with rhubarb and apple crumble and of course more cake. It was a lovely way to spend a birthday.

Finally what was also lovely, was this poem Collette had made up for me which was on my card that Hayden had made. It cracked me up.

S is for sexy, saucy and sweet (I'm not quite sure about this one)
I is for I imagine things on your feet
M is for mother, 5 children she has
O is for ocular impairment (Hayden helped out there)
N is for nonsense this poem may be
E is for everything you mean to me.

Isn't she clever!!

Thankyou too for FB messages, phone calls and texts. It certainly all made for one very lovely birthday.

10 months

2012-02-12T23:21:00.000+11:00

Since last time I got on the computer, the weather finally hotted up for a bit and I have spent a fair bit of the last month hanging around in my nappy.

I still really love baths...

And I have now pulled this trick. I can't pull myself up to standing but if Mummy straightens my legs for me, then i can wobble around for a bit like this.

As you can tell by my chubby little legs, I have put on 1 kg since last month (now 8.6kg) so I think the new doses of my meds are kicking in nicely.

Dad put up our paddling pool outside so I could have a few swims.

We took a trip to Hobart to visit my Aunty Collette and Uncle Hayden.

They wore us out. ;)

Since last month I started rolling heaps...

And then started showing off by doing little push-ups to show off my upper arm strength. I think I'm ready to go on my knees next as I am doing the whole rocking thing and trying to crawl along on my belly, army style.

I still won't let Mummy take a photo of my two bottom teeth though. :0

This last month too has been especially difficult as I have seen one of my Mummy's closest friends, going through unimaginable heartache. The person I am talking about is Noah's Mummy. I watched my Mummy take the phone call that night. I saw her grab the bench to steady herself. I saw her face crumble and I heard the sharp intake of pain as she listened to Noah's Mummy on the phone.

Noah's Mummy lost her best friend, her soulmate, the love of her life that night.... Noah's Daddy. Noah and his Daddy are now with each other and I heard Noah's Mummy tell my Mummy that they would be SO SO happy together. I know they are. Us little ones know these things. We're not just here to look cute.

(a recent photo Lisa put up on her FB page)

Many people have done some wonderful things to help them out, both friends, family and strangers alike. Although I cannot speak yet, I can feel and see the heartache of Noah's Mummy and Jay, Harri and Kobe - please continue to care and love them in whatever way you can as they climb this seemingly impossible momentous mountain.

(photo taken from Lisa's blog)

See you at 11 months.

Post script and an auction...

2012-02-10T20:58:00.003+11:00

So after yesterday's post on "Hangin' with the Hawks", Oliver made today's Examiner on page 3 getting his top signed by Josh Gibson. It made me laugh hearing the other players call Josh Gibson, 'Gibb'o because during primary school and high school I had the maiden name of my stepdad which of course was Gibson and all the boys used to call me Gibbo too. Just made me smile. :)

You know what else is making me smile............

We are now day 2 into this....

There are over 120 items to bid on and there is such a wide variety that I'm sure everyone will find something they like. Naomi (Seven Cherubs) and Nicole (The Cupcake Fairy) have done a wonderful job getting this together. The auction will end on Sunday Feb 12 at 9.30 (AEST) and 8.30pm I think for the tropics (Qld).

All money raised will go to Lisa and the boys and I think Carli summed it up beautifully in her post when she said,

Many wonderful people have donated

pretty and beautiful things

(not because money will take away the pain)

but to show
that a whole united group of family, friends, bloggers

and compassionate people feel a great deal of empathy.

Don't forget that you can still donate to the donation fund too. Go here or just click on the button on the top RHS of my blog.

Hangin' with the Hawks

2012-02-09T22:26:00.000+11:00

This morning I took the kids to Aurora Stadium where some of the Hawks players were doing some drills with the kids. Being a Blues supporter I felt like I was being a traitor but with Hallie being a big Hawks fan I had to muster up my courage ;) and go.

I had never been before and I said to Lisa that I was pleasantly surprised because the players were so lovely to all the kids and looking like they were having a great time with them all.

Kobe was the star of the field, darting in and out with the ball and all the players calling him Kobes. He was so cute to watch.

Hallie's friend from school, Will was showing everyone up by zooming in and out with the ball in his chair.

Will's twin, Hannah was having a great time too. Hallie and Hannah play together at school and love doing outdoor thing together.

After the drills, the kids got to sit down and ask the players any questions they wanted. One of the questions was who the players went for, when they were growing up. I wonder if any of them dreamed they would be playing AFL one day.

I had to check the poster to see this guy's name. (sorry). I think it's David Hale. Harri will tell me if I'm wrong. He had a great time with Flynn who seemed to be more interested in eating the grass than posing with an AFL player. A man from the Herald Sun took a photo of them and said to check the paper to see if it made the cut. He said if Flynn was wearing a baby Hawks guernsey, it would be a shoe in!! I don't think I'd go that far. :)

Jonty was a bit worn out. Not that he did any drills. When he got the ball he would hold it for a minute and then giggle and drop it and run away all shy. I don't think he really knew what to do with the ball. Kobe is going to have to teach him some drills.

After question time, it was time for the serious side of the morning, getting autographs. The players let all the kids line up and sign whatever they wanted. It was great to see them in such a relaxed setting.

Even the big kids got some signing action.

Lisa was taking photos of the boys and doing such an amazing job of making the day a fun day for her boys. None of us can comprehend how hard each day is, except Aaron, and I know how proud he must have been of her today as she gave everything of herself to ensure a beautiful morning for Jay and Harri and Kobe.

Okay so I think this Hale dude is like 6 foot 7 and he asked Flynn how long it would take to match his height. I had to laugh!! Still sitting on the 3rd percentile, and me only 5 foot 6 and Simon 6 foot, there 's not much chance of that. :)

To be on the front page...

2012-02-03T22:07:00.001+11:00

As I stare at the front page of yesterday's paper, I still can't believe this is happening. I read the paper everyday, from cover to cover and I read about good news and sad news all the time. The difference is however, that I usually don't know any of the people in the news. The difference is that I know this family on the front page. The difference is, I love this family on the front page. The difference is I wish none of this had ever happened and something else was on yesterday's front page.

A blogger friend of Lisa's, Naomi Ellis, who has a personal blog and facebook page called Seven Cherubs has set up a donation fund where people can donate money to help Lisa and the boys. It is attracting so much support from here and around the world as strangers and friends alike who learn of what happened, fill their hearts full of love and grief for a beautiful family. When you read Lisa's blog, you can't help but be drawn into her life by the genuine and candid way she journals about her family, her love for them shining through her words.

Yesterday's story in the paper, highlighted the donation fund. One day soon I want to meet Naomi and envelope her in a big hug. My old school friend, Nicole (The Cupcake Fairy), emailed the Examiner with some details, hoping that the paper would do something and never dreaming it would make the front page. For that I am grateful because the more people know about this beautiful family, the more their lives will be enriched.

I found this photo of Hallie and Harri having a bath at home. I think it was 11th May, 2008, which makes Hallie 5 and Harri, 4 yrs old.

Hallie has admired Aaron for a long time but has been to shy to ever speak to him much, except to laugh at his jokes and being a fellow Hawks fan, she loved reading Lisa's blog posts about Aaron and the footy and even going to Aurora Stadium too.

Today Hallie gave her pocket money to the donation fund. I'm not recording this so we all think what an awesome girl she is (I already know that) but to highlight the influence Aaron had on everybody, even little insignificant (not to me) 8 yr olds who liked him but were too shy to ever talk to him.

To donate your pocket money too, go here.

Seven Cherubs and The Cupcake Fairy are also working hard to set up a charity fundraiser facebook auction which will be run from the 9th to the 12th of February. It will involve Australian businesses donating their service or product which will then be auctioned by Seven Cherubs facebook page. Go here for details.

I don't know where to begin

2012-02-02T10:07:00.000+11:00

Just to say the words "Aaron" and "funeral" in the one sentence seems so unreal.

Hundreds of people came, literally hundreds. As we came out of the building and I saw the hundreds of people streaming around the corner and out of the doors, I couldn't help but stand there in awe and stare at everyone and in my heart I was saying, "look Aaron, look at all the people you have helped to believe in themselves."

It felt strange to have those feelings of immense joy and pride for Aaron and at the same time be plunged into sadness and grief for Lisa and Jay and Harri and Kobe. It was such a rollercoaster day of emotions.

It was such a privilege beyond description to say my own personal goodbye to Aaron. I thank Lisa for that tenderest of gifts so I could see him one last time and whisper to him that I would do my best to make him and Noah proud and be there for Lisa and Jay, Harri and Kobes. And just like at Noah's, the room was full of love, so much love.

When Lisa spoke during the service, she told us of Aaron's love of sport, particularly NRL, NBA, AFL and cricket, and how when he got his iphone, Aaron rigged it to give him notifications of sports info. As I am writing this I am reminded of when we were all visiting a friend's house recently for lunch and his phone kept going off and he told me, it was telling him when someone got out in the cricket. Lisa told us about his love of music and I will never hear Britney again, without a little smile.

We laughed as Lisa told us of Aaron's childhood and throwing tantrums if he wasn't winning against his sisters. We cried as Lisa told us about the love of her life, her best friend and how he grew into one of the most inspirational teachers for the many students he taught over the past eight years.

Jay and Harri were the bravest boys I know. I know Aaron was wrapping his arms around them, encouraging them to be brave as they told us about the best Daddy in the world.

At the cemetery I could not stopping thinking about Noah and Aaron together and how they would both be giving Lisa and Jay and Harri and Kobe so much strength and courage to get through today.

We released balloons, just like we did for Noah and as tears streamed down my face, I watched the balloons float away sending my love along with them.

Each person was given a rose which all the kids absolutely loved.

Lisa's Dad

Aaron's sister, Trudy

Look at this beautiful boy's smile. Kobe who continues to be a gift of joy and love to Lisa during this unbelievable heartbreak.

Lisa's Mum, Lorraine

The kids were the first to put their roses on the coffin and they were all fascinated, sitting there watching and looking in.

Lisa's brother Jared

Lisa was so brave and courageous and graceful throughout the day. There are so many things I wish for, for Lisa, but the thing I wish for the most, I can't bring back or change and all I can do is echo Jay who comforts his Mum with tears of "it will be ok Mum..."

I don't when or how but I do know Lisa and I know that one day she will be ok because of Aaron and Noah and Jay and Harri and Kobe. Her 5 beautiful boys will get her through this as they all walk by her side.

I loved seeing some of the students wearing Hawks guernseys. There was no way a person could know Aaron and not know his love (obsession :)) for the HFC.

A bit later, everyone moved over to Noah's spot and the tears flowed again as I thought about the significance of only 3 and a half months ago we had stood here to say goodbye to Noah.

The children's area is so tender. I like to think they would love the children playing on the grass nearby.

Hallie proudly wearing her Hawks socks for Aaron. We used to tease her that she wanted to be adopted by the Kings because of her love for Hawthorn. Her and Harri don't see each other often because they are both at school, but when they do, they get on really well.

As we left, I stopped to take a photo and it again seemed so surreal, seeing Aaron's name on the board. I said to my friend Naomi, "A.King, Aaron King" and she said, "how fitting, it says "a king". Yes how fitting, how very fitting indeed.

That phone call... the next day...Lisa's Aaron

2012-01-29T00:50:00.000+11:00

I look out the window and see the washing on the line. It has been there since Thursday. I don't want to bring it in because everything has changed since I put it out.

I should be blogging about Port Arthur. I was blogging about Port Arthur on the night of January the 26th when my phone rang at 9.50pm. I remember exactly where my phone was - on the bench in front of the knife block. I glanced to see who it was and saw 'Lisa King' on the screen. We used to have this inside 'joke' that if she rang me early in the morning before school, it meant that Noah had passed away in the night in his sleep and so if she did ring me early in the morning, she would always preface what she said with, 'don't worry Noah is still with us' and I would always sigh with relief.

On October 8 last year, we did lose our Noah and in the split second before I answered, I thought, she is already going through the hardest thing of her life so I thought maybe she was going to tell me about something special that might have happened that day, to do with Noah and St Helens (or about all the fish Aaron wasn't catching). (she knows I don't go to bed until late)

I remember the exact conversation up to a point.... I remember getting louder and louder on the phone, almost yelling at Lisa saying, "what, what, what are you saying, what are you talking about, no, no,no". Our dear brave Lisa had just been through the unimaginable........again..........and she rang me herself and I yelled at her. Her next words were, 'he must be so happy with Noah now' and then 'how am I going to live? Do you see the common thread?? After everything she had been through just a short time before, she STILL put everyone before herself.

Yesterday as I drove to Launceston to meet Lisa and her family as they arrived back from St Helen's, I still thought it was surreal. As I rounded the little roundabout into their street, I irrationally held onto the idea of a bad joke but noone would joke like that and my head just wanted to refuse to accept the reality of what my heart already knew.

The first person I got to was Chrish, Chrish who wrote the most beautiful tribute here, and as we hugged, he cried saying he had lost his best mate.

And then Lisa, Aaron's Lisa - I just wanted to hold her long enough to erase all of the pain to make everything better, to take it all away. I know its something everyone would like to do.

I'm not going to go into details of that first day. It is tender and personal and ultimately is Lisa's story to tell, the way she sees fit. All I can say is that in amongst the indescribable feelings of loss and sadness, was a feeling of love and unity and support for the most beautiful amazing family any of us have ever met.

There was even a few laughs and smiles at times, over remembering things Aaron had said or done. And through it all was Kobe, oh Kobes, you are such a ray of sunshine. I will never forget the privilege of kneeling with your family and Grandma and cousins for family prayer, such a sweet moment and you singing a few lyrics of Party Rock Anthem and showing us your shuffling moves. And then going around your Aunties and Uncles and cousins and giving big smacker kisses good night. I will always treasure the SEVEN, you gave me.

This is one of my favourite photos, not my most favourite - that's the one at the bottom with Noah in it too.

This photo however is one of my favourites because it represents so much. It was taken 22nd of October last year during the Make-A-Wish fun run, its first one ever. These guys were featured on the front page of the Examiner promoting the run and we all proudly wore beautiful t-shirts of Noah. I remember texting Lisa later that day saying I was still wearing Noah's t-shirt as was she. Noone wanted to take their t-shirts off.

It was a courageous day for Lisa and Aaron and the boys, having lost Noah only a few short weeks before but they wanted to do this for their gorgeous son and they did. We knew how proud Noah was of his family. This photo was taken afterwards, after we had released some balloons and I love it for the way Lisa is looking at Aaron and how their arms are intertwined and shoulders touching. A picture says a thousand words right!

Everyone has been posting on Aaron's memory page about their favourite memories. It is so beautiful to read them all. My favourite memory of Aaron was only a few weeks ago when we were having lunch together at the Porter's house while the kids rode motorbikes. Our friend Jus was visiting and we were talking and Aaron said to me, "you grieve over what you wish you could have had with Charlotte and we grieve over what we did have with Noah". "Everybody has their pain". And then he choked up with tears.

Even thought it was sad, it is my favourite memory for two reasons. (1) I thought at the time "my grief was nothing compared to what your family is going through with Noah but you have the beautiful unselfish compassion of acknowledging and understanding my pain when your own pain is so much more fresh and deep". I don't know alot of people like that. (2) We saw Aaron the jokester and Aaron the prankster alot. He sometimes used to tease me about wearing glasses, until the joke backfired when he needed them himself. :) That day when I saw Aaron choke up, I got to see a glimpse of his soul. And in there I saw love and courage and humility. That day I had the privilege of seeing Lisa's Aaron.

We all have wonderful memories of Aaron to share. He was loved by so many because he cared so much, that we think of him as our Aaron but ultimately he is Lisa's Aaron and belongs to her and Jalen and Noah and Harri and Kobe and will forever and ever. Death can never tear that apart.

Waiting a whole year for the bike centre

2012-01-17T16:36:00.000+11:00

Since Lisa and Gaz and the girls left on the 20th of December 2010 for a year in the US of A, we have been planning a reunion date at the bike centre. We have been going to the bike centre in the school holidays for the past few years and Lisa (King) organised a long time ago, a bike centre date for last night to welcome the Woodwards back.

Flynn loved meeting Carter who he has only seen on FB and on his Mum Kylie's blog, and Flynn and I were excited to finally meet face to face and have a chat. He wanted to thank Carter too for recommending the snuggle wraps. Carter has looked SO cute when I've seen him on Kylie's blog and her FB page and even though I didn't think it was possible, he was even cuter in person. It was lovely to meet both of them.

The kids all had a great time racing around on bikes and scooters. Jonty got so hot from running around.

It was great to catch up with the Woodwards finally , after a whole year away and have a typical Aussie BBQ.

Flynn was a source of entertainment for the girls.

Taking a shot of the blogerazzi queen, taking a shot. :)

James and Thomas are telling Lisa all about the exciting new gym classes that have started up at the gym while she has been away. :)

Not sure what Lisa is demonstrating here...maybe how the plane landed back in Australia! ;)

Gaz giving Simon directions to the KFC Museum...sorry, I still can't believe there is a whole museum over there dedicated to the great man himself. The chicken's not that good!!! ;) Personally I would rather directions to the nearest Cheesecake Factory.

It was so lovely to have everyone back at the bike centre again, altogether and all back in the southern hemisphere, and dare I say the best place on earth. :)

Visiting Nan at Bridport

2012-01-16T21:21:00.000+11:00

Last Sunday the boys went with Nanny after church to her house in Bridport. Mum's place is always the place to be during the summer as she lives near the beach and the kids love going there as a family so everyday we can go down to the beach.

After my date with the girls on the Monday, on Tuesday we headed to Bridport to join the boys.
We had a great time with Mum, going to the park and although the weather was not really hot and it rained a few times, we got some beach time in there too. Some of the little beaches there are really quite sheltered from any wind and the water is nice and smooth for the little kids.

Hallie wears her skate shoes EVERYWHERE- rain, hail or shine. And whether they go with her outfit or not, she doesn't care so I don't either.

Lisa and Aaron with all their beautiful photos and videos of Noah and the boys during NOAHvember and Noahlidays has inspired and gently reminded us that you can never have enough so we have been using the video camera constantly.

I smile here at Sarra obviously trying to make Flynn laugh for the video.

Nan still on pushing duties.

I love love his chubby bits. It makes him so snuggly and cuddly.

You can't even see Simon in this pic- hidden behind all the kids. LOL. Simon and Hallie and Ollie went home on Thursday so Simon could go to a church meeting and then on the Friday he took them camping at Liffey Falls.

On Thursday afternoon, I met up with my gym bud Kell and we went for two big walks. This is us at Old Pier beach going for a beautiful walk along the foreshore on Friday morning, while our other gym buds were back at the gym doing an Attack class. I think our view was much better that day. :)

It was so lovely to walk (I had to walk fast so my short legs could keep up with Kell's long ones) and not have to rush off anywhere or have to rush into the creche to grab our kids. Walking without kids, there is no excuse to slacken off and Kell made me run the last 500m up the hill to our place and in the end I told her to run on ahead and have a drink of water waiting for me when I eventually caught up. :) We don't call her Kellie 'the machine' Rae for nothing. :)

The weather hotted up at the end of the week again so Kell and Dave and all our kids went down to the beach on our second last day there. We both left on Saturday.

The day after we got back, I ran into one of the coppers at the shop and he said that they ended up closing the beaches at Bridport because of shark sightings. Yikes!! Kell said, it was very considerate of the shark to wait until we had gone.

Still loving the sand

Jonty making the moves on 'Harlot' while Kobe isn't around. ;)

We are looking forward to coming back on the 30th of January for some more beach fun with our friends, Jackie, Mel and Liz for our annual camping trip and fingers crossed the weather is perfect for some swimming - preferably without any sharks!!

Going for a bike ride...

2012-01-15T22:10:00.000+11:00

January is turning out a few nice warm days which leaves late afternoons open to some nice relaxing bike rides in Westbury and a perfect time to try out Flynn's Christmas present from Santa.

We can never go for a bike ride without stopping at the local skate park so Hallie can do some BMX stunts and practice on the skate jumps.

Glorious blue sky

Ollie trying out the jumps.

And wearing her skate shoes and BenTen t-shirt :)

Jonty enjoyed playing on the equipment while the kids honed their skills on the skate ramps.

And best of all, these two enjoyed chillin on the grass. A nice way for Simon to enjoy some well earned holidays from work.

9 months

2012-01-12T21:15:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year everyone. It's hard to imagine that 2012 has started already. This past month has been full of new things. I now weigh 7.55 kgs and am 67 cm tall. This puts me on the 3rd percentile.

You wouldn't think so with my adorable chubby legs but I have actually lost weight. From 4 -8 months I only put on 550 grams and this past month I have lost weight so we have changed my med dosage to see if that makes a difference.

I finally have my first tooth. It feels great to have one little chomper. My favourite food is mashed vegies and custard/yoghurt.

I got to meet Santa Claus for the first time, as I celebrated my very first Christmas. That's me in the green top sitting in front of Santa. Not quite sure what the fuss was all about as everyone tore paper apart to see something inside. I thought the paper by itself was pretty interesting and tasty.

Santa did give me a bike trailer though so I can ride on the back of Dad's bike. The best part is that Dad does all the pedaling too while I just watch the world go by.

Another first was that Mum dressed me in the same pyjamas as Jonty. As you can see a big no no. Both pairs of pjs were presents from Nan Triffitt to Sarra when she was little and everyone has had a go at wearing them, but at the same time..... please Mum!!!

I celebrated my very first NYE at a party at the Robin's house, our neighbours next door. I did okay staying up for a bit watching a movie with Sarra.

But by midnight I was still awake and a bit cranky.

I also went to the beach for the first time during this past month. Hello, why didn't anyone tell me how yummy sand tastes. I just couldn't get enough. I loved sitting there and feeling the waves come in and wash over me too.

I still have the biggest grin and I do not discriminate. Friend, family or stranger I will regale you with my widest smile as soon as you look at me so if you are having a sad day just walk on by my pram and peer in and I will soon brighten your day.

See you at 10 months.

Raspberry farming with my girls

2012-01-09T22:39:00.000+11:00

Today I took my beautiful girls to the Christmas Hills raspberry farm for a lunch date.
We had a ball and I loved spending some time with just them, no baby to feed or burp or to jiggle (he was on a Daddy date) and Jonty and Ollie were in Bridport with Mum. Just one on one time with my girls with 100% focus on each of them...and our food of course. ;)

My girls are beautiful and good girls...but I am biased. :)

A day at the beach

2012-01-03T21:53:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we went to Hawley Beach. It was a perfect start to the new year with the weather hotting up nicely for us. I hadn't been to Hawley for a few years and had forgotten how nice the water is and how kid friendly the beach is.

The kids had a great time.

Especially Flynn who was trying out the beach for the first time and loving the sand.

I love love love the way he crinkles up his nose when he grins.

And then of course he found the sand...

And decided he like it....

Very much indeed...

The kids had a lovely time playing with their second cousins (or is it first cousins twice removed?)

Now that Steph and Eden have moved to Port Sorell, Jonty misses playing with Lachie.

Harri, Ollie and Hallie playing frisbee.

Lisa's Mum, Lorraine had brought some yummy raspberries which we had with icing sugar. How delectable is that.
(the raspberries, not Lisa I mean). LOL. See some great pics Lisa took of the day, here.

Ty contemplating the meaning of life... or stressing that in 3 months he is going to be a new Daddy!!! :)

I love this woman. If you ever want to go to the beach, ring Lorraine. She comes with beach toys, chairs, umbrellas and of course delectable fresh raspberries. :)

Oma and Pop came halfway through the day to take Sarra and Hallie back to Ulverstone for a few days. It was lovely looking forward to some quality time with just the boys. I often worry that I dont spend enough one on one with them so when opportunities like this arise, we have heaps of fun at home with the other kids.
What a great start to the summer holidays.

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T14:48:00.000+11:00

Last night, we went over to our neighbour's house, the Robin's, to see in the new year. We were joined by the Bradburys and Ben and Belinda Terry. We each brought some meat and a salad and dessert to share and we filled in the night chatting away while the kids played on the trampoline and watched a movie or played Just Dance on the wii.

Katherine and Allen have a pretty big house so there was plenty of room for everyone to do different things without being on top of each other.

My tom boy Hallie with her spiderman t-shirt and skater hat. But she does have nail polish on her fingernails so there's hope yet. ;)

As it ticked closer to midnight, Allen set these lights on which were really pretty as the sun set.

The bigger kids watching a movie.

Just as it was getting late, this little munchkin fell off the deck and hit his head on a rock. Katherine and Allen took him into emergency at the LGH and they glued the wound on the back of Hezekiah's head. It was a nasty deep cut and the Drs told them he would have to be kept for 4 hrs for observation seeing as it was a head wound. So Allen came home and poor Katherine had to stay in and see the new year in, in a small little cubicle in the hospital while we partied on back at her place. Deeanne did text her at midnight to say "Happy New Year" though. ;)

These two didn't quite make it to midnight as Simon was working and Jonty was getting very tired. Before they left though, they had fun playing with the fluro sparklers.

The kids loved playing with the fluros while jumping on the trampoline.

Here we are counting down from ten while watching the fireworks in Sydney harbour, on the TV.

Fireworks lighting up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Deeanne texting Graeme at midnight as he was on the Spirit of Tasmania on his way to Melbourne where he was going to pick them up off the plane in the morning. Their plane was leaving at 6am and then they were driving to Qld for 5 weeks. I can imagine how tired they will be.

When it struck midnight we all had a toast.

Bekah home from uni in Adelaide, winding down with Kayla.

I love this one of the others playing Just Dance in the background. and look how tired these guys look, staying up after midnight.

Happy New Year!!!

Four days in a row - all turkeyed out!!

2011-12-27T23:11:00.000+11:00

Day 1 - Christmas Eve Day

Celebrating Christmas with the Simon's family at Tammy's house. Not much fun with tonsilitis - all that glorious food I couldn't really enjoy and feeling feverish and chills, waiting for the antibiotics to kick in. It's a crime to lose weight at Christmas. ;)

When we left Tammy's we stopped at the cemetery to visit beautiful Noah. Hallie and I stood there for a bit, carefully touching his things and quietly talking about Noah and I was lost in thought for a few minutes, my heart aching as I thought about the significance of the past few months, and indeed the past ten years for Lisa and Aaron and the boys.

And we visited our own Nev, who will have been gone ten years this coming February. I can still hear him answer the phone with "yabba dabba chappa company, King Chappa speaking" instead of something normal like, 'hello Neville speaking". I used to be embarrassed growing up but I would do anything to hear him answer the phone any way he liked now.

Day 2 - Christmas Day

The kids got up at 5.54am and I sent them back to bed but they obviously disobeyed because I walked into the loungeroom to this...

Santa had been and gone in our house. So much for waiting for Mum and Dad. Mum was in the loungeroom though - as she had slept over Christmas night - good supervising Mum. ;)

Jonty turning the wheels on his new bike.

This is what Flynn got for Christmas so he can go for bike rides too.

The Wheelers arrived for tea and we opened more pressies.

Day 3 - Boxing Day birthday

On Boxing Day, Sarra celebrated her 11th birthday. Jonty was bewildered by a day of more presents and was confused as to why these ones were all for Sarra.

I can't believe my baby girl is now 11. And what a good girl she is, helping out alot with her younger brothers and sisters, sensitive to others feelings and always wanting to do the right thing. I wish I could say she is like this because I am a great mother but I think this is just Sarra. :)

Day 4 - Christmas at Poppy Steve's

As usual the main attraction was rides on the trailer. Even as the kids get older, this never ceases to be any less fun for them.

The weather has been so glorious so even though we had no bathers, the kids went swimming in Pop's dam.

Aunty Maureen, Lisa and Dad

Four days in a row. Eating turkey four days in a row. Opening presents four days in a row. But the best part of all - hanging out with family four days in a row.

It was a little quiet with Jess and Kyle camping in Queensland for Christmas and Collette and Hayden on their honeymoon in Fiji but the beauty of Christmas is that it comes around every year and so next year as we quietly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we can give thanks for all that we have by being in the company of those we love.

A boy and a girl's wedding...

2011-12-22T17:07:00.001+11:00

PHOTO BY POP PHOTOGRAPHY For more amazing photos of the wedding taken by Pop Photography, click here.

Last Saturday Simon, Flynn and I were at the Melbourne Temple for Collette and Hayden's wedding. We knew it was going to be a scorcher and already at 12 pm it was 35 degrees.

Luckily Jess had organised this amazing spread for everyone afterwards to get us through until the reception a bit later in the day. Kyle was setting it up before the wedding. There was nothing Jess had not thought of. We even had little handheld fans each to chase away the heat. Seriously Jess is going to be my wedding planner for my kids. :)

Our two little supervisors making everything was done according to Jess' instructions.

The wedding ceremony itself was absolutely beautiful. I could not picture anything else more perfect, except my own wedding nearly 12 years ago, of course. ;) The wedding was supposed to be at 12.30pm but we didn't get started until about 1 pm because we were waiting for Hayden's brother, Tristan, his wife Carmen and Hayden's sister Courtney. Their plane was ready for take-off at 6am and everyone was seated on the plane and then they announced that the captain was sick and the flight was cancelled. They scrambled to get on another flight and made it, only a little late. Poor guys must have been so stressed.

Here we are after the ceremony waiting for the couple to come outside.

Maddy and her niece Olive

Hayden's sister-in-law Carmen with his parents Jenny and Rob

It was lovely to have President Prebble come over for the day, just like he was able to with Jessica's wedding. It meant so much for them to have Pres Prebble there especially as he has been there for them since Nev died nearly ten years ago and went to uni with Collette. It was beautiful having him be there and I can appreciate the effort coming over and back to Melbourne in one day.

Introducing Mr and Mrs Bell..

Then we started all the family shots.

Tristan, Carmen, Rob, Jenny, Courtney (holding baby Olive), Alice and Maddy

Uncle and Aunty

cousins, Nicholas and Campbell King

the proud parents

Not quite ready...

That's better...

Mum and her girls

After the wedding, Collette and Hayden went and had photos taken with the amazingly talented Julia Turner from Pop Photography. I would have loved to steal all her shots - they are so beautiful but you can go here to view a sample.

The reception was held at the Quaff on Toorak Rd, the same place Jess had her reception and because it was so good, we got to go back again. :)

Jess' table decorations

A window Jess did up with all the guest's names written on it.

welcoming the bride and groom

Flynn attacking Hayden's soft drink

Collette's bouquet, made by Jess

Speech time...

Hayden read Collette this amazing poem he had made up. It was SO funny and clever all about their journey together to arrive at the day of their wedding. He had made up the poem because Mum is always using poems in her speeches so he had one of his own up his sleeve. I love how you can see here in the pic that he had it written out on the back of an envelope. It even rhymed and had a joke in there about taking his time to be ready to get married.

The two baby cousins, Bastian and Flynn also had a lovely day playing together. They were so cute.

I loved everything about the day, the fact that when the wedding sealer was 'reading out the vows' Collette said yes, before she was supposed to (we all giggled). I loved that the wedding sealer announced that their wedding was not just til death but would go on forever, binding them together on earth and in heaven. I loved that President Prebble was there in Nev's place but that I could still feel Nev in the room in the same spot as I felt him at Jessica's wedding. I loved that after the reception, Simon, Flynn and I escorted Collette and Hayden to their hotel because we had GPS in our car and their hire car didn't and when we found the hotel, I randomly yelled out the window, "have a good night".

But most of all I loved that throughout the day, I got to see this - these two only had eyes for each other.

Congratulations to a beautiful couple. I couldn't be more prouder of my little sister.

PS happy honeymooning in Fiji and Merry Christmas. xx

8 months

2011-12-12T12:58:00.001+11:00

Today I am eight months old. And it is December so I'm gearing up for yummy Christmas food (via Mum of course). Not much really to report on the milestone front. Pretty much the same as last month. I'm just pretty happy chill-axing. Still in size 00 and about 8 kgs. Will check my height and length next week at my paeds appointment with Hallie. I love that we get to go together and do bloods together. It's not so scary when she shows me how brave she is.

Still no teeth. I'm glad because I hear it is a little painful. Still the same with sleeps. I probably wake 2-3 times a night but Mummy tries to only feed me the once. I can't help it if I enjoy a good cuddle.

I like eating toast and yoghurt and soft potato, carrot and pumpkin, chicken and sucking on watermelon. I really don't like baby food (do you blame me) and will try anything on Mum or Dad's plate but my appetite isn't overly huge so I'm happy to have a few mouthfuls of vegetables or maybe rice and that's about it.

I can sit up though in the shopping trolley like a big boy now.

I'm just really content to sit and watch the world go by. What's the hurry really. All I have to do is dazzle people with my smile and they come to me anyway.

Probably the funnest thing I am doing this month, actually this week, is go to my Aunty Collette's wedding in Melbourne. My brothers and sisters don't get to come but I'm free on the plane so woohoo!! Plus Mum is my milkbar so I kinda need to hang around her. This is a pic of the first time Aunty Collette met me. She's really pretty eh? Can't wait for this Saturday at 12.30pm.

See you next year at 9 months.

A showering of food

2011-12-11T19:23:00.001+11:00

On Friday night Lisa and I hosted a bridal shower for Collette, the last big weddingish event before the BIG day next Saturday. She had already had her engagement party and a bridal shower in Hobart so now it was time for one more bit of fun up north.

Sorry about the photos - I was having a play with instagram on the iphone.

Collette decided that she wanted a pantry party so her and Hayden could fill their shelves full of yummy food. The guests were asked to bring a recipe with some of the recipe's dry ingredients. Collette joked that they would cook each dish and invite the guest who provided it to come over for tea and see how well she did. (I love the dog (Lucy) here in the pic checking out all the food)

Here are some pics of Collette opening her food pressies. I love the one that provided a cake mix in a packet in case she stuffed up the real recipe. I can't remember who did that one but it was really funny.

Someone even provided samples of their dish. It was hilarious.

Lisa and I had prepared a few games for everyone to play. We had 'What Spice is That' - pretty self-explanatory where you had five spices to sniff or taste (if you were game enough) and you had to guess the name of it. We also played Pass the Parcel which was really funny as some of the questions where like, name your favourite romantic movie or sing a love song. (sorry Lisa Prebble) ;)

Mum got the one where she had to reenact Hayden's proposal to Collette. She made it up of course and said something like, 'you got the ring? Good, let's do it then because I'm sick of people telling me to hurry up". It was a classic and had everyone in fits of laughter.

The last game was one that Emily had thought up by asking Hayden some questions about Collette that we all had to guess what he would have answered. We also had a lucky door prize which was a Body Shop pamper pack for the person whose, wedding or birthdate (if they were unattached) was the closest to Collette's. Mariah won hands down because hers is the exact same date as Collette's. Can't get any closer than that.

After the games we had something to eat. Here is our spread.

And here are our cute little cups with everyone's names on them.

It was lovely to have people there to support Collette and wish her well as she enters this new exciting time in her life.

And I couldn't leave this post without a pic of Flynny who flaked it halfway through the party. Obviously too much fun was going on.

A Christmasy weekend

2011-12-08T20:18:00.001+11:00

Last weekend being the beginning of December, we started doing some of our annual Christmas activities.

On Friday Westbury PS in conjunction with the local churches, held the annual Advent pageant. I first blogged about our Advent pageants here back in 2007. It is always lovely to start the month off watching the children play out the Nativity scene.

Each class then sang a Christmas carol. You can see Oliver's blonde head here.

Take a mental note as it's not often you see Oliver being an angel. Only joking, my curly headed blondie is on the nice list this Christmas.

I couldn't resist taking a pic of Will in his shepherd's costume. He looks so cute. I reckon he would hate me saying that. ;)

Saturday night we went to our church Christmas party at the Porter's place. They have such a lovely place and although it was a little cold, while the sun was out it was beautiful and we had such a good time. The kids all especially loved a visit from Santa on the back of the tractor.

The kids all then got a hay bale ride - it was the kind of fun that kids love and never forget.

Our top entertainment of the night had to be the 'Rusty act'. Obviously we are short of entertainment out at Deloraine ward. Leon started by showing us that if you put an apple in your mouth, Rusty the bull, will take it out of your mouth. Here I scooped a pic of Jacob in action 'feeding' Rusty. YUK YUK YUK!!! All the kids loved it though. Screaming in delight as Rusty slobbered all over everyone. Noone else was game enough to have a go at 'kissing' Rusty though.

Some of the more brave of us, then had a little ride on Rusty. The Porters have raised him from a calf so he is really tame. I think he thinks he is human. Kit says he's not interested in hanging out with the other cows and is always wanting to follow them around the farm.

Flynn had a great time hanging out with Chloe who is only three days older than him and having a cuddle with Dell.

Some random shots of the night.

Simon also took the kids for some games and they all got quite competitive playing tug-of-war.

It's nice to get out and have some wholesome fun, the whole Rusty experience aside that is. :)

"Noah's syringes"

2011-11-30T09:54:00.001+11:00

Dear Noah,

Today is supposed to be the end of NOAHvember but I don't want it to end. Maybe we could do December too and call it, "King of Kings". I watch my Mummy watch your videos each day and I see her laugh and cry at the same time, especially the ones where your Daddy tickles you and I can hear your laughter throughout our house. Mummy loves hearing your Mummy laugh on the videos too especially as she knows how sad your Mummy is now, well she doesn't really 'know', noone can truly know the pain of losing you, like your Mummy and Daddy, but my Mummy loves your Mummy so she feels sad when she sees the pain in your Mummy's eyes. Mummy loves all the different photos of you each day too but she especially likes the ones when you have your cool sunnies on.

Wow I said Mummy alot in that last paragraph but we both love our Mummys' very much so why not say it alot!! ;)

My Mummy did an ok job during NOAHvember, remembering most days to do an act of kindness or act of service for family or strangers. She did freak me out two Saturdays ago though when just me and her were coming back from Hobart late at night, about 9pm. As she was driving along, Mummy spotted a male hitchhiker and thought she might stop for NOAHvember. But then Mummy decided she was a little scared to be picking up a strange male in the middle of the highway with noone else about and in the dark, so she kept driving. I know she felt a little guilty for not stopping but I think she was very wise to keep driving.

Anyway today being the last day of NOAHvember (but really if I put on a cute smile maybe your Daddy will keep going), I wanted to say thankyou for your beautiful gift to me. It makes me sad that you won't be using these syringes anymore - I would gladly give them back and a million more to have you here and hang out with you but I understand that you were tired and as your Mummy said, she knew you "were ready a month before you even got sick that you were getting ready to go, but was hoping she was wrong."

At first Mummy wanted to put your syringes in the cupboard and not use them because they were "Noah's syringes" and they reminded her of you not being here and also how your Mummy and Daddy miss you oh so very much. But then she read your Mummy's post on your equipment and supplies, and in particular your Mummy's words, "while driving there I felt sad knowing that Noah wasn't able to use these things anymore, but then as I was driving I started to think about how good it also is that he doesn't have to use it anymore. He is no longer in his body full of restrictions and I'm sure he is loving that after ten years. I also thought about how happy Noah would be that we were able to share his things with his friends." Straightaway Mummy got all "Noah's syringes" out of the cupboard and we had a great time playing with them and Mummy said how happy you would be knowing that you got to share these with me.

You would know probably better than anyone, that it doesn't take long for syringes to stick and the measurement writing to come off and Mummy used to only have a small stash (she hated paying for them) so would use them over and over again until they really stuck hard and instead of sliding smoothly into my mouth the medicine would shoot out really jerkily in one go and I hated it, although mean Mummy would laugh but then I would spit it out so whose laughing now huh.

Although I have to have medicine every eight hours and so I go through alot of syringes, this stash you gave me I reckon will last until I am old enough to chew and swallow meds like my big sister Hallie. I can't thank you enough for "Noah's syringes" and one day, I will thank you in person with the biggest hug, not just for the syringes, but the more beautiful gift of as your Mummy describes - this "incredible angel here on earth." Thankyou too for being our angel on earth for my Mummy last year. My sister and I were watching from heaven and we will forever be grateful to you.

I was at your house on Monday night and even though my siblings playing with your siblings made it a little noisy (our Mummys would say alot noisy), I could still feel that peace that enveloped your house just after you passed away. It was nice to feel that at your house.

I better go because Mummy says I am hogging the computer.
Love you heaps.
Love Flynny.

PS - when you next go for a big run (or sidestep) can you whisper to me what it feels like. I can't wait!!! xx

A boy and a girl

2011-11-28T11:39:00.001+11:00

A boy named Hayden met a girl called Collette.

They played tennis together and then some more tennis and even some more tennis and along the way realised that as well as being a really good tennis match, they were in fact a match made in heaven. Awwh!!! Ok, they didn't really play tennis all the time but for the record, over the past three years, Hayden has only beat Collette once.

On Saturday afternoon we headed to Hobart for Collette and Hayden's engagement party. Yup my little sister is getting married. December 17th to be exact at 12.30 in the Melbourne temple. It was pouring with rain outside but that didn't stop the revellers from having a great time.

Everybody had something to eat for afternoon tea from the beautiful food provided. (is this where I mention my 224 pieces of delectable caramel slice)

The decorations were amazing. Originally it was going to be a garden party outside but the rain wasn't going to let up so it was held in the hall of the Rosny chapel. Here are a few tidbits.

Some pom pom clouds hanging from the ceiling (some of which are now strewn around my house)

All done by the very talented Esther TT.

There was a photo booth set up where you could have some photos taken.

All weekend, Jonty has been calling the day, "Hayden's party'. Sorry Collette. ;)

Or you could just have random ones taken around the room. Thanks Camilla.

After everyone had some eats, we watched a slideshow of the lovely couple. There was some photos of them both as babies and growing up through the years, ones of Hayden on his mission in Japan, those speedoes ;), then ones of them together, going to concerts (Coldplay and Kings of Leon), playing tennis, watching the tennis Australian Open in Melbourne, hanging out having a great time together. The slideshow finished off with them practicing a dance together - you have to see it - it was hilarious!! Don't know why they wouldn 't repeat it live for us!!

And then the speeches got underway from Mum. Mum mentioned that Collette's dog Millie (who has lived with Mum for 2 years now) had a message for Hayden, that she would like to come down and live with them after they are married. We all had a chuckle. She also said that Collette has had Santa for the past 28 yrs so that might not want to stop.

Hayden's Dad, Robbie. Robbie talked about Hayden and his car and about getting pulled over by the cops a bit. He also talked about Hayden being able to accomplish both going on his mission and finishing his medical degree. Hayden I think was able to start his degree and then defer for two years while he went on his mission and then continue when he got back. I don't think they had let people do that before.

And then Hayden. Hayden said he couldn't remember these car and police stories. He also had a message from Millie too - that she enjoyed living with Mum in Bridport.

Hayden and Collette then cut the cake, a yummy caramel mudcake made by Carmen, Hayden's sister-in-law. It was so yummy. There's some perks to being family, as I got to bring some home. ;)

It was lovely to see Collette and Hayden celebrate this day with friends...

Hayden's Uncle, Steve King (standing next to Jess) did a great job as MC too.

Somehow some of these beautiful triangle material decorations that Esther did have made it home to our house too. Sarra wants to hang them in her bedroom.

and family. :)

This is Hayden's Mum, Jenny working tirelessly in the kitchen. What a Mum!! I love what Jenny said to me in the kitchen about how lucky she was to have two wonderful daughter-in-laws. I don't think luck has anything to do with it. An amazing Mum brought up two amazing boys who attracted two amazing girls, who also I presume have amazing Mums, one I know personally of course. :)

What I have noticed about these two is the way they love to have a laugh. A sense of humour is so important in a marriage. Their sense of humour is perfectly suited and Hayden will need one as Collette continues to beat him at tennis.

Graduating from a boy to a man

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000+11:00

This was not a staged shot. Simon opened the toilet door and this is what he found.........

Hmmm now what can Santa bring me for Christmas.

Toy sale catalogues become the choice of bedtime story in our house too. The kids leave them around with items circled as a hint.

Merry Christmas Jonty.

Check out...

2011-11-22T13:43:00.001+11:00

...our new swimming pool.

drinking the pool water...

It's a beauty eh?

A little bit proud

2011-11-18T17:45:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a ceremony at the police headquarters in Launceston. Last year marked ten years that Simon has been serving in the police force and he was recognised yesterday with a medal. In order to get a medal you have to have served with an unblemished record.

There were quite a few police officers present in their official police uniforms which is the wearing of the blazer and any other medals.

Simon's other medals include a bravery medal, awarded to him by the International Humane Society in 2005 and presented to him by the Governor of Tasmania at Government House. It was for pulling two young men from a burning vehicle at Beaumaris, near St Helens between Christmas and New Year's in 2003. The car exploded shortly thereafter and Simon was treated for smoke inhalation.

Contrary to popular belief, a police officer is not bound by their duty to undertake such acts if their own lives are put at risk. They have the choice not to act but as we know police officers continually put their lives at risk, for complete strangers, knowing that there is a possibility they may not see their own family again. I know that thought went through Simon's mind but he did not even hesitate to assist. They say 'its just part of the job' but to me, they are real heroes.

Sadly the young men did not survive but we have kept in contact with one of the families over the years and they were present in Hobart when Simon received his bravery medal. I have so much admiration and tenderness for them, for their quiet strength and the way they have reached out through their pain to remember their son. They told their story awhile back on the show about organ donation (I can't remember the name of it) and how their son was able to help bless the lives of others by being a donor.

But I digress.

The Tasmanian Police Commissioner, Darren Hine, gave out the medals.

There was so much blue in the room, it made me nervous. ;) People have often asked me if I am nervous when I get pulled over. Even though we live in a police house and I am around the uniform all the time and I often get knocks on the door at 7.30 in the morning asking for keys or a radio, (and I am still in my pjs) I still get nervous when I am pulled over, doing a mental check of seatbelts, rego and licence. I'm not nervous around police officers I know because we are friends and I know their family and the kids play together, but ones I don't, I feel a little like a school kid again. :)

Yesterday, with all those uniforms, an irrational thought went through my mind. I was thinking, 'oh no, they know. 'They know that when I was 12 years old, I stole a coconut ice from the shop on Elphin Road'. Now they are going to arrest me for it!!' Lol. My one big crime and the guilt has haunted me ever since.

The MC made a lovely speech about how important it was to see the families of the police officers there, supporting their spouse, supporting their son or daughter, supporting their father or mother. Even though I didn't know anyone, it was lovely to have Jonty and Flynn there supporting their Daddy. The MC also commented on how the families should be recognised for their support, which I thought was really nice. It was nice to get a little pat on the back and I saw all the other family members smiling and I knew what they were smiling about - putting up with the toll of shiftwork in a very stressful job. And not 'putting up with' in a negative way either because we all just accept that it is something that comes with the job.

Jonty and Flynn haven't been around to see much of the 11.5 years that Simon has put into the job but I know that as they grow older they will be so proud of the selfless work that Simon has done, all the sleepless nights doing shift work, the abuse from a few of the more rowdy clientele, the all too many road accidents, a few bumps and bruises (again the rowdy clientele) and his role in search and rescue - the one time when people are happy to see the police. ;)

As the wife of a police officer, all I can add to that is that I am the proudest of all. Not anyone could be a police officer and not just anyone can be a good police officer but time and time again I hear from people about how he keeps a cool calm head in extremely stressful situations and has the right balance of being firm and fair. Even some of the rowdy clientele agree. :)

At the end of the ceremony there was a pretty good afternoon tea that Jonty seemed to really enjoy.

What I love about Simon is that he will come home from work and sometimes I don't ask him about it because (a) ignorance is bliss and it's how I tell myself I can worry less because I can't worry if I don't know what he has had to do (but this this doesn't always work! - the wife of a police officer always worries) (b) he wouldn't tell me because he wouldn't want me to worry (c) many things are confidential and even if I asked him he wouldn't break that trust. But what I love is that Simon will come home from goodness knows what scenes he has seen and go jump on the trampoline with the kids and play wrestles. That's not just a good police officer, that is a great Dad.

And finally just as a side note, above the bar area in the room was this sign.

Good to know they take their own advice!! :)

A birthday party with Mack

2011-11-14T17:17:00.001+11:00

On Saturday we continued the tradition of celebrating Jonty's birthday with Lisa as they are only a day apart. So although Friday, was his actual birthday, Jonty didn't get his cake until Saturday but he didn't even notice. I think he thought his birthday went for two days.

Before we headed into Launceston for the party, we had a spring clean at church. I have never seen the kids have so much fun cleaning. They helped with all the chairs and tables. Everything was done inside and out, the eaves, concrete, gardening, every nook and cranny inside - it looked great. I cleaned inside, doing windows and pews and then ended up with the lovely job of the fridge. :)

The Ziesels dog, Mo, was our supervisor.

Then to finish off we had a gourmet BBQ outside to reward ourselves for all our hard work.

Later in the afternoon we headed in to the Wheelers for 'the party'. Jonty kept saying all day, 'we go to Emyee's house. (Emily) He always gets Emily to play with him and loves following her around. Emily was also good, giving Flynn a bath and getting him dressed.

We had homemade pizzas for tea and hotdogs and chips with fizz - the usual at a party which all kids seem to love. Mum made lemon slice and Emily made truffles.

The kids also had a great time outside on the motorbikes. It's great that Lisa and Chris have heaps of space for the kids to have a ride. Hallie our motorbike expert was trying to teach Rohan how to ride.

And help him put the helmet on...

Then it was time for the cake. Jonty had tossed up between a helicopter and a garbage truck and then decided on Mack, particularly as he is into Cars 2, the movie. Simon said he would take care of the cake which made it completely stress-free for me in the end. And I think it turned out really good.

Flynn as usual was pulling his funny faces.

But then was completely mesmerised by the candles, instead of looking at the camera.

Other presents that Jonty got was some clothes from Nanny, a tongue spoon from Jessica which Jonty carries around with him everywhere. I had to take a photo so you could see the handle looks like a really long tongue. (and Jess wanted me to take a photo ;) )

And a toy drill from Oma and Pop for when Jonty helps build our own home in the near future.

7 months

2011-11-12T07:30:00.000+11:00

Another month has gone by already. I'm now on the downward trip toward one. Im getting SO old. ;) I haven't grown much. Still in 00 and just under 8 kilos. I'm just biding my time until I decide to do a huge growth spurt.

This past month I have been a little bit sick and spent a night in hospital. After that I was grumpy and sad for about 12 days - noone likes being sick. Mummy missed my smiles and her sleep but she hasn't slept much for 7 months anyway so I didn't know what she was going on about. :)

Soon enough though I was back to my old cheeky self, grinning and laughing at anyone who catches my eye.

I have been sleeping better the last few nights and only called out to Mum once or twice for a feed or cuddle. I wake up about 6.15 am and am happy to hang out in the loungeroom watching TV until my feed at 7am. I'm supposed to have two day sleeps but lately I've just been napping during the day because Mum is either out and really busy - (probably getting all my Christmas presents) or I just don't want to miss out on anything.

I still love sitting in my bumbo but I'm not really interested in food much. Mum tries at every meal but I'm happy with milkshakes so why bother changing when you are on a good wicket. Plus there is no hint of any teeth coming so solids seems like too much hard work anyway. I don't mind sucking on an arrowroot biscuit though.

Since last month though, I have learned a new trick. I can now sit up all by myself. At first I was tumbling over but if you put my legs out wide, I can sit quite nicely for awhile.

Ooh and one other thing that I still love doing is bouncing in my jolly jumper. I don't think I will ever tire of doing this.

See you at 8 months.

' We Remember ' Jonty's 3rd birthday

2011-11-11T19:25:00.001+11:00

Today Jonty turned 3. He was born on the 11th of the 11th at 11.35am. I started pushing at 10.45am and I always push anywhere from 40mins (Hallie) to 4 hrs (Oliver) so I knew he wasn't coming before 11am. At 11am I remember my midwife Brenda, joking about whether we should have a minute's silence. Funny enough I did not laugh. :)

Jonty has been loving the latest Cars movie so we got him a spy plane, which fits a little Mater truck and McQueen and then the spy car (Finn McMissile)

As tomorrow is Lisa's birthday, we are going to have a joint birthday party and unveil the cake for Jonty there. Jonty has been tossing up between a garbage truck and a helicopter, so we will see what he gets. Last year he had a train cake - lucky Lisa doesn't mind having kiddie cakes for her birthday too. :)

Seeing as today was also Remembrance Day, they held a little service at school in front of the flag pole. My Pop, Stephen Lanham (who Flynn's middle name is from -along with my own father) was in the navy in WWII on the destroyer HMAS Napier. He was a Rat of Tobruk and was away from my Nanna for 2 whole years. My Dad has published his diaries from the war. It is very compelling reading and more so because he is my Pop who I remember and loved dearly.

Hallie was one of the SRC presenters of the service and she did a good job up there with the microphone, introducing the national anthem and the minute's silence.

Singing the national anthem.

The wearing of the poppy...

"Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day or Veterans Day) is a memorial day to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty since the First World War.

Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 so Remembrance Day is observed on November 11.

The remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields, believed to have been written by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

Poppies were the first flowers to grow in the earth of the soldiers' graves in Flanders and so they became an appropriate symbol for Remembrance Day" (quote found here)

And not to forget the birthday boy... looks like he is enjoying very much his birthday dessert, after hot chips for tea (his choice).

Happy 3rd birthday my beautiful blonde haired brown eyed munchkin.

Noah's school day

2011-11-10T07:30:00.000+11:00

On the 26th of October, Lisa and Aaron invited us to Noah's school memorial service. As we arrived at Punchbowl Primary School, I realised I had forgotten my camera. Not that I take the best photos (if you see a good one it's either because Simon took it or it was a fluke.), but I was cross with myself for now having to rely on the trusty iphone.

I looked at the photos later and thought, they look terrible, I can't post about this day, but then Lisa reminded me in a post that her blog is her family journal and I realised that I couldn't not post about this significant day because I want Flynn and Jonty to read back through OUR digital journal to this day, a day they won't remember but will see that they were there to share this special day of Noah's.

This day was so tender and beautiful. Why? Because it was run by Noah's school mates and kids wear their emotions on their sleeves and you could feel the love and see the love that they had for Noah - it was tangible and it touched my heart to see the way they paid tribute to him.

It also dawned on me that Noah's schoolmates probably knew him alot better than most as they were with him everyday (when he wasn't sick or at Newstead Heights) for his whole school life.

After recess, the children all filed into the hall in their class groups. The principal started the service and then handed it over to a group of children. They showed us a book, in which each class had dedicated a page to Noah. It was absolutely beautiful.

Lisa then got up and spoke during the service. This is where you can read her talk. And then we were shown a a portion of the slideshow that Jalen had put together for Noah's funeral. You can see the slideshow in its entirety here

The service then moved outside to Noah's garden. As we moved out Noah's class and his teacher Miss Wells were fighting back tears and all having lots of hugs. Oh it made me cry to see their outpouring of love. It was touching too to see Jay's mates put their arms around him too.

The class groups sat down on the tarmac for the unveiling of Noah's garden. They had organised balloons with messages on them as well as some balloons for the Kings to hold.

Everyone was silent as they were launched into the sky. It was beautiful to watch them float up with the messages of love and remembrance of Noah.

The garden was so pretty and colourful. I love love love the yellow seat.

It matches Lorraine's cardigan. :)

After the class groups returned to class, we got a few pics of Lisa and Aaron and the boys sitting in Noah's garden.

While others had a turn on Noah's seat, these two got up to some cheekiness.

Lisa's brother Jared with his wife Becky

Noah's teacher Miss Wells and Di (Noah's carer)

Nick and Lorraine (Grandma and Grandpa)

Kobe had fun getting into the stones right away. No doubt the groundsmen will have to put them back every time Kobe has been for a visit. ;)

Some of Noah's classmates also had a turn.

How fitting that Noah's garden will be used everyday by the children who knew and loved him. Thankyou Lisa and Aaron for the privilege. I will never forget the day that Noah's classmates dedicated their love and memories to one amazing Noah Aaron King.

Look what Spring brings at our house...

2011-11-09T07:05:00.000+11:00

Little baby chicks that go cheep cheep.

While the broody hen is sitting on the fertilised eggs, we move her to her own little hutch so the chicks are safe when they hatch and not picked on by the other hens.

We also buy chook crumble which is smaller and not as big as the hen pellets-just right for their tiny little bellies.

One they get bigger and can fend for themselves a bit, we will let them run around free range like the other hens. It's a great setup because although they have their own pen, the fence has an opening so they can roam around in the paddock next door.

One of the chicks has been named Lucky because it had got out of the hutch and wondered into the big hen pen and fell in the water trough. It was swimming around trying to jump out but was obviously very tired and was lying very still. Ollie found it and we brought it inside and put it in a beanie and cuddled it to warm it back up and slowly it started moving and cheeping again and now it has made a full recovery. After all that effort, I sure hope its not a rooster!

And Flynn is fascinated with them. He just wants to keep picking them up.........and give them a bit of a squeeze. ;)

Running is a family affair

2011-11-08T09:28:00.000+11:00

A few weeks ago, Westbury PS held their annual running carnival. It was a beautiful warm day and everyone was pleased that the sun was out. You never know quite what kind of weather you are going to get in October.

The kids had great fun participating in the traditional running events.

And now they are getting a bit older, can even help out with some of the events.

One of the advantages of a small school, is it only takes one day for all the races and there is time left over for novelty races.

Hallie and her good friend Will going in the holding hands race. They blitzed the field with Will's motorised wheelchair.

Even the parents got involved in the novelty events. Simon and Mr Brown were very competitive.

They even held a few little races for the little ones not at school yet. It was so cute to watch them all.

I even made an appearance in the egg and spoon race. I was doing well until I got the giggles eyeing Kerry off edging past me. We were so well-behaved running with one hand behind our backs. The kids loved watching their parents make fools of themselves and we had just as much fun laughing at ourselves.

Our next Olympic long jumper for sure. Once Jonty knew he could go in a race, he thought he could go in all of them and kept running onto the track.

Oliver with his good friend Noah.

I think Tigger held up well in the teddy bear race.

I like our running carnivals because the kids can still be competitive but at the same time have heaps of fun which is what it's all about really. (unless you want to be the next Olympic long jumper)

Bring It On

2011-11-07T18:01:00.000+11:00

Westbury is a happening place at the moment as the thoroughfare to the Tasmanian Craft fair in Deloraine over the long weekend, host to Steam Fest this weekend (which is just next door) and the Westbury Show on Saturday which is just a hop, skip and jump from our backyard.

Today however, being a public holiday and all, the kids decided to relax in the backyard with the sprinkler and take advantage of this glorious weather. And it didn't cost a thing.

Hello Summer.